Motivational Speech Ideas for Colleges

Donna G. Morton

While colleges offer students a world of new ideas and opportunities, undergraduates may feel uncertain and overwhelmed as they compete in demanding academic environments, plan for future career success and learn to manage the responsibilities of independence. Motivational speeches offer a call to action and solutions to their challenges and can be presented by professional speakers, business and community leaders, professors, department chairpersons, coaches and fellow classmates.

Academic Success

Raising and maintaining a high GPA, winning scholarships, gaining acceptance into competitive majors and securing internships are among the motivational topics that interest and benefit college students. Motivational speeches can inspire them to take positive steps towards success rather than waste energy stressing. Productive studying techniques, better time management and taking advantage of academic support groups are among the suggestions they may be encouraged to apply, along with polishing their skills in essay writing, verbal communications and interviewing. Spurred to action, students can work towards their academic goals with a results-oriented plan of action.

Future Success

Gaining acceptance into graduate school or seeking that first full-time job can weigh heavily on the mind of college students, especially those discouraged by high numbers of people pursuing the same dreams. Post-undergraduate success is an excellent topic for motivational speaking, and many students are inspired to action once they know what deans and employers actually seek in candidates. Speakers can boost students into structuring an organized course for reaching their goals well-prepared and confident. They may be encouraged to build on their strengths, define and utilize what sets them apart from the pack, strengthen communication skills, learn to write stand-out resumes and set realistic goals for what they want to achieve after they get the job or grad school acceptance.

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Personal Success

Running out of money before running out of month is a common dilemma among college students, and many would benefit from motivating ideas on financial management, saving money and finding and balancing a part-time job with academics. Other topics to assist students with personal effectiveness and productivity are time management, self-discipline, resolving conflicts, decision-making, relational skills, overcoming shyness, sticking to values and breaking unhealthy habits. Motivators can help students recognize their need to make changes and envision the benefits of doing so. The result could be a timid student enrolling in a public speaking course, roommates working out their differences and parents getting fewer text messages asking for money.

Service Success

The college years often provide students with ample opportunities to give time and talent to their campus, community and even the world at large. Making a difference, promoting positive change and being part of something bigger than themselves are motivating topics that may enthuse students to get involved with service organizations, political campaigns and summer mission projects as well as programs that benefit their fellow students, such as peer tutoring, student government, Greek life executive boards or resident housing committees. Motivating students to give of themselves can trigger a lifetime of serving and working for the betterment of others and their surroundings.

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About the Author

Donna G. Morton lives in Atlanta and has been writing for more than 27 years. She earned a Bachelor of Science in journalism from East Tennessee State University and spent 15 years in radio and corporate advertising, winning 10 Excellence in Advertising Awards for creative writing.